Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that the state government has created the right platform for foreign direct investment in the agricultural sector.

The governor also stated that the State Government has started the preliminary process for the construction a Specialist Tertiary Hospital in the state.

He spoke at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Thursday when he granted audience to the Minister for Africa, United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Mr Tobias Ellwood and the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Paul Arkwright. Governor Wike said that the development of basic infrastructure across the State is geared towards attracting foreign investors.

While pledging to always cooperate with the United Kingdom to enhance the development of Rivers State, the governor noted that his administration will grant access to land backed with certificate of occupancy for willing investors.He said: "We are promoting partnership in the area of Agriculture because we believe that it will create employment opportunities for our youths.

"The current economic recession requires that we look inwards. We have improved the security architecture in the state and it is the best investment environment in the region and the country". Earlier, the the Minister for Africa, United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Mr Tobias Ellwood said that the United Kingdom will assist the Nigerian Government in its bid to diversify her economy.

He said that the visit was also aimed at improving the relationship between the United Kingdom government and the Rivers State Government.

Mr Ellwood assured the Rivers State Government of the support of the United Kingdom in her bid to empower Rivers people through project implementation.